Discover more about Chatsworth

Chatsworth House

Published:11:46Saturday 20 December 2014

The curious can discover what it takes to run one of the UK’s most prestigious country estates this winter as staff at Chatsworth deliver a series of entertaining talks throughout January, February and March.

These will include two special opportunities to hear about what happens behind the scenes by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire themselves.

The two exclusive talks, entitled Life at Chatsworth’ will see the 12th Duke and Duchess give an inside account on a decade spent occupying the magnificent estate, whichhas been passed down through 16 generations of Cavendish family and encompasses 30,000 acres of garden, farmland and parkland. Taking place in the Hartington Room at Chatsworth Stables on March 5 and 10. Early booking is advised.

Chatsworth staff will be delivering a number of regular talks throughout the season, including head housekeeper Christine Robinson, who recently published her memoirs in Chatsworth: The Housekeepers Tale.

Christine, whose family have worked at Chatsworth for over 200 years, will reveal the motivation behind her book with an opportunity to have copies signed.

The talks also feature head of gardens and landscape Steve Porter on designers and fashion and their influence on the Chatsworth Garden; textiles department supervisor Susie Stokoe revealing the secrets behind the Mortlake Tapestries; and archaeologist Oliver Jessop talking about glimpses of the Tudor House revealed by the Masterplan.

The talks will run most Fridays from January 23 to March 6 in the Hartington Room.

Places need to be booked in advance and start at £12 per person.

For more information visit http://www.chatsworth.org/attractions-and-events/events/event/winter-talks

Winter visitors will also be able to enjoy a collection of fine artwork as the Peak District Artisans’ return to Chatsworth, showcasing an eclectic line-up of artists, artisans and designer-makers from across the region.

The second exhibition to take place at Chatsworth, artists will include a variety of big names such as the award-winning Sue Prince and Ingrid Karlsson-Kemp.

Earlier this year, Sue’s work was chosen for London Stories, an exhibition for the Serco Prize for Illustration at the London Transport Museum, whilst Ingrid’s display will include pieces created for her exhibition as part of Umea, Sweden’s Capital of Culture celebrations.

The spring exhibition will run daily between 10.30am and 3.30pm, from January 7 to March 22, where works from 36 Peak District Artisan’members will be on display in the Carriage House at Chatsworth Stables. Admission is free.

Chatsworth House, Garden, Farmyard, Shops and Restaurants all will remain open until January 4 (closed on December 24-26 and January 1). The house, garden, farmyard and Cavendish restaurant will re-open for the new season on March 28.

The Carriage House restaurant and the gift shops at the stables remain open every day.

For more information on what’s on during winter, visit www.chatsworth.org